The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said Monday it has opened a criminal investigation into the collapse of Baltimore’s Frances Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by cargo vessel last month.
An FBI spokesman confirmed to reporters that bureau investigators boarded the cargo ship Dali to conduct court-authorized law enforcement activity regarding the crash. The spokesman offered no further comment, and no other information was made publicly available.
The bridge was destroyed in the early morning hours of March 26 when the cargo ship Dali lost power and collided with a support structure. The span collapsed within seconds, killing six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time.
The Washington Post, which originally reported the investigation, reported the FBI is investigating the events leading up to the collision, to determine if the crew left port knowing the ship was having serious operational problems.
The U.S. National Traffic Safety Board is also investigating the accident.
Also on Monday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a partnership with two law firms to “launch legal action to hold the wrongdoers responsible” and mitigate harm to city residents.
In a statement, Scott said, “Through this engagement, the City of Baltimore will take decisive action to hold responsible all entities accountable for the Key Bridge tragedy, including the owner, charterer, manager/operator, and the manufacturer of the M/V Dali, as well as any other potentially liable third parties.”
Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden took an aerial tour of the site of the bridge collapse. The tour came after the White House announced the release of $60 million in federal Emergency Relief funds for Maryland’s initial clean up and repair costs.
It also announced the U.S. Small Business Administration would provide low-interest loans to eligible businesses impacted by the accident.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has said it expects to open a limited access channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of the month. The agency said the channel would enable ship traffic in and out of the port.
Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
